Cladding assembly and method of cladding posts

ABSTRACT

A post cladding assembly, a cladded building assembly and method of cladding a building structure using the cladding assembly are provided. The post cladding assembly includes at least one cladding panel and at least one connection element, wherein the connection element includes an androgynous means for engaging the at least one cladding panel to secure the at least one cladding panel to a building structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to commonly assigned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/725,768, entitled, “Single Piece Post Cladding Element,Method of Cladding a Post and Method of Forming a Cladding Element”filed Dec. 2, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to post cladding elements and assemblies,and methods of cladding posts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Posts for supporting outdoor structures such as porches, decks, boatpiers and fences are clad for several reasons, including protection fromthe elements, reducing maintenance (e.g., painting), providing anaesthetic appearance and matching a fence system.

There are two common cladding methods. In a first method, a claddingsleeve is slipped over the post prior to installation of the post or ifthere is an unobstructed post end. This first cladding method andelement cannot be retrofitted onto a post that is already installed(hereinafter, “pre-installed post”). If by choice or due to physicalconstraints (i.e., a preinstalled post) the first cladding method is notused, then the post is clad using a multi-piece cladding assemblyinstalled around the post. Two to four piece assemblies are most common.An example of such an assembly is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,920 toDavis, entitled “Modular Post Cladding Element, Post Cladding Assembly,and Method of Cladding a Post”, issued Sep. 28, 1999.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cladding assembly, a cladded building assembly and method of claddinga building structure using the cladding assembly are provided. Thecladding assembly includes at least one cladding panel and at least oneconnection element, wherein the connection element includes anandrogynous means for engaging the at least one cladding panel to securethe at least one cladding panel to a building structure. In oneembodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of polymeric claddingpanels and at least one polymeric connection element. The claddingpanels may include at least one pair of outwardly or inwardly extending,oppositely disposed catches, and the polymeric connection elementincludes at least one pair of inwardly or outwardly extending,oppositely disposed catches, wherein the at least one connection elementis secured to the plurality of cladding panels with the inwardly oroutwardly disposed catches of the connection element mated to theoutwardly or inwardly disposed catches of the cladding panels,respectively, to couple the cladding panels of this embodiment togetherin cladding the building structure.

The cladding assembly can, if desired, fully enclose a member, such as awooden post, to provide a maintenance free and aesthetically pleasingbuilding structure. The assembly can be used where the buildingstructure is only partially enclosed, such as, for example, in a fasciacladding or siding corner trim applications, or deck sub-structure,columns, posts and rails. In such an application, one or more claddingpanels could be applied to a building structure using connectionelements to secure the cladding panels one to another, or to portions ofthe building structure equipped with a projection or flange suitablyadapted for engaging a connection element. In this case, a portion ofthe building structure is clad, rather than completely surrounding theentire structure. The cladding assembly allows for easy retrofitting ofan aesthetic appearance to either restore the appearance of a buildingstructure to acceptability in the case of a deteriorated structure, orsimply to change the desired aesthetics of the structure withoutremoving it. The cladding can also be reversibly applied. If a change inappearance of a post is desired, the cladding can be removed andreplaced with a cladding having a different aesthetic effect. Forexample, connection elements can be changed to produce different visualeffects. Cladding panels could be provided with patterns, shapes orcolors that could be used individually or with other patterns to yieldcladded building structures having the desired attributes.

The cladding can be fit adjustably to a pre-installed structure. Theconnection system allows for some irregularities in the geometry of thepost itself and allows a generally pleasing aesthetic effect when thecladding is fully assembled. The adjustability also enablesaccommodation of the cladding assembly to thermal expansion andcontraction or other changes in dimension that can occur in use. Theadjustability of the cladding assembly also can be beneficial when usingthe cladding with posts that are not of perfect dimensions. For example,if a post support structure were warped or twisted, the cladding wouldrender a more desirable appearance.

The cladding assembly also lends itself to proper drainage. Thisattribute helps in drying and avoiding of water damage to the enclosedsupport structure over time. Further, as the cladding assembly, in oneembodiment, is made up of a plurality of cladding panels, a claddingpanel or panels can be easily replaced in the event of damage to aportion of the post or the cladding.

In the case of a four-sided square post, a cladding assembly can beproduced by extrusion of identical cladding panels and connectionelements. The cladding panels being of a single geometry simplifies theshipping and inventory needs. In the case of rectangular posts that donot have square cross sections, the cladding could be provided using onecladding panel type for the larger dimension and another cladding typefor the smaller dimension, wherein the connection elements can be thesame.

The cladding can also be used for more complexly shaped structures, suchas, for example, hexagonal, octagonal, or higher order polygonallyshaped posts or columns of varying sizes without the need for differentcladding panels and connection elements for each contemplated shape tobe clad.

The above and other features of the present invention will be betterunderstood from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments of the invention that is provided in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention, as well as other information pertinent to the disclosure, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a cladded building assembly;

FIGS. 2 an 2A are profile views embodiments of cladding panels;

FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B are profile views of embodiments of connectionelements;

FIGS. 4-4E illustrate a method of cladding a post according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a claddedbuilding assembly;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of a claddedbuilding assembly; and

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of a claddedbuilding assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are a cladding assembly, cladded building assembly andmethod of cladding a building structure. In an exemplary embodiment, thecladding is designed to clad a wood post of rectangular geometry andsquare cross section, although the cladding may be applied to structuresformed of other materials, shapes and types, such as piers of a deck ordock, mailbox posts, columns, lamp posts, etc.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a top plan view of a cladded buildingassembly 10 is provided. Cladded building assembly 10 includes arectangular wooden post 12 having a square cross section. A claddingassembly is attached to the post and includes, in the illustratedembodiment, four cladding panels 14 and four connection elements 16. Theconnection elements 16 provide an androgynous means of engaging the oneor more cladding panels to secure the cladding panels 14 to the post 12in cladding the post. By “androgynous” is meant that the connectionbetween adjacent components 16 is made using geometry that is neithermale nor female in the way the engagement is made.

In one embodiment, the androgynous engagement is performed by matingcatches. For example, in one embodiment each connection element 16includes a pair of inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches 22that mate with a pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches 20, with a catch 20 being provided one from each of an adjacentpair of cladding panels 14. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the pair ofinwardly extending catches 22 of the connection elements 16 arepreferably generally shaped like a pair of hooks that anchor theconnection element to the outwardly extending catches 20 of a pair ofadjacent cladding panels 14.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, each cladding panel 14 preferablycomprises support structure for supporting the panel against the post12. In one embodiment, the support structure comprises support posts 18,which provide the proper spacing for cladding panels 14 with respect tothe side surfaces of post 12 and provide mechanical support for thecladding panel 14.

FIG. 2 is a profile view of cladding panel 14, which clearly illustratessupport posts 18 and catches 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, thecatches 20 are angled, outwardly extending catches. FIG. 2A is a partialview of a second embodiment of a cladding panel 14A illustrating thatthe catches 20A can be generally semicircular shaped, u-shaped orsquared catches.

FIG. 3 illustrates a generally right angle shaped connection element 16,as also shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate alternativeembodiments, specifically generally flat shaped connection element 16Aand rounded or arched connection element 16B, respectively.

The connection elements 16 and cladding panels 14 described herein arepreferably made from a thermoplastic polymeric material. Polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyolefins, acrylics or acrylic copolymers arepreferred. The use of capstocks, over-molded or coextruded polymericlayers that are flame, UV and/or weather resistant, or contain additivesfor rendering their resinous compositions flame, UV and/or weatherresistant, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, HMPE, PVC, ABS(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), polyurethane, polystyrene, acrylic orASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) polymers, for example, can providean element of increased surface durability while maintaining lower costfor the bulk of the materials making up the product. A weather resistantbase polymer could be used for the connection element and claddingpanels, as opposed to a capstock with a weather resistant overmold,coextrude or additive, although this embodiment may be more expensivethan using a capstock. The cladding panels and connection elements maybe formed by profile extrusion, sheet extrusion, stamping, thermoformingand vacuum forming, for example. Sizing dies can also be used forshaping the composites. In a preferred embodiment, the connectionelement and cladding panels are co-extrusions having a weather resistantcapstock on a more economical base stock.

A method of installing the cladding assembly on a building structure isdescribed in connection with FIGS. 4-4E. As shown in FIG. 4, one or morecladding panels 100 is provided having outwardly extending catchesformed along its entire length. The cladding panels 100 are cut to theappropriate length (designated “X”) for covering a building structure,such as a post 102. As shown in FIG. 4A, portions of the outwardlyextending catches of the cladding panel are removed from at least one,and optionally both, ends of the cladding panel, forming cladding panel100′. In one embodiment, from about 0.5-2.5″, and preferably betweenabout 0.75-2.0″ and more preferably between about 1.0-1.5″, of theoutwardly extending catches are removed from proximate to the top and/orbottom ends of the panel 100. This removal step accommodates theapplication of trim or molding as described in more detail below. Itshould be understood, however, that the trimming step is optional and isused to accommodate the trim or molding, when used. For example, inanother embodiment, the cladding is installed without the use of a trimor molding piece and no portions of the outwardly extending catches areremoved.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, one or more cladding panels 100′ are alignedon a post 102. These cladding panels may be tacked using nails orotherwise directly secured to the post 102. Although not shown, itshould be understood that one, two, three or four cladding panels,depending on their shapes, can be used to cover a four-sided post 102.

Referring to FIG. 4C, an ornamental trim or molding section 104 isconstructed around the base and/or top end of the post 102 and over theportion of the cladding panels where the catches were removed. Those ofordinary skill should be familiar with the construction of trim section104 and its details are not repeated herein. An example of theconstruction of trim section 104 is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,920to Davis discussed above, the entirety of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 4D, connection element 106 is cut to the proper lengthX. As shown in FIG. 4E, the connection element is then snap fitted overan adjacent pair of outwardly extending catches to secure the connectionelement 106 to the adjacent cladding panels 100′ and the cladding panels100′ to each other. The steps of FIGS. 4B, 4D and 4E can be repeated toclad the other sides of post 104. Last, a second trim or molding section104 (not shown) can be constructed to cover the top edge of post 104,covering the area where the catches were removed from near the top edgeof the panels 100′. Alternatively, cladding panels 100 may be held inplace by constructed trim sections or, optionally, manually, whileconnection elements 106 are secured to the cladding panels to form theclad structure, such cladding holding itself in place once assembled.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that the cladding assembly can,if desired, fully enclose a member, such as a wooden post, to provide amaintenance free and aesthetically pleasing building structure. Theassembly can be used where the building structure is only partiallyenclosed, such as, for example, in a fascia cladding or siding cornertrim applications, or deck sub-structure. In such an application, one ormore cladding panels could be applied to a building structure usingconnection elements to secure the cladding panels one to another, or toportions of the building structure equipped with a projection or flangesuitably adapted for engaging a connection element. In this case, aportion of the building structure is clad, rather than completelysurrounding the entire structure. Optionally, an additional anchoringmeans could be used, such as, for example, a screw, staple or nail, inattaching the cladding to the building structure. While fasteners may beoptionally used, the cladding assembly lends itself to be appliedwithout the need for additional fasteners or glue and may provide a selfsupporting structure.

The cladding assembly allows for easy retrofitting of an aestheticappearance to either restore the appearance of a building structure toacceptability in the case of a deteriorated structure, or simply tochange the desired aesthetics of the structure without removing it. Thecladding can also be reversibly applied. If a change in appearance of apost is desired, the cladding can be removed and replaced with acladding having a different aesthetic effect. For example, connectionelements can be changed to produce different visual effects. Claddingpanels could be provided with patterns, shapes or colors that could beused individually or with other patterns to yield clad buildingstructures having the desired attributes.

It should be apparent that the cladding can be fit adjustably to anexisting structure that is already in place. The cladding does not needto be slipped over one end of the post. The connection system allows forsome irregularities in the geometry of the post itself and allows agenerally pleasing aesthetic effect when the cladding is fullyassembled. The adjustability also enables accommodation of the claddingassembly to thermal expansion and contraction or other changes indimension that can occur in use. The adjustability of the claddingassembly also can be beneficial when using the cladding with posts thatare not of perfect dimensions. For example, if a post support structurewere warped or twisted, the cladding would render a more desirableappearance. Also, the cladding can be used on a support structure thatis purely structural in its load-bearing capability, such as a pipe,floor jack or a section of angle iron, for example, to provide apleasing finished look to a post so clad.

The cladding assembly also lends itself to proper drainage. Thisattribute helps in drying and avoiding of water damage to the enclosedsupport structure over time. Further, as the cladding assembly, in oneembodiment, is made up of a plurality of cladding panels, a claddingpanel or panels can be easily replaced in the event of damage to aportion of the post or the cladding.

In the case of a four-sided square post, a cladding assembly can beproduced by extrusion of identical cladding panels and connectionelements. The cladding panels being of a single geometry simplifies theshipping and inventory needs. In the case of rectangular posts that donot have square cross sections, the cladding could be provided using onecladding panel type for the larger dimension and another cladding typefor the smaller dimension, wherein the connection elements can be thesame.

The cladding can also be used for more complexly shaped structures, suchas, for example, hexagonal, octagonal, or higher order polygonallyshaped posts or columns of varying sizes without the need for differentcladding panels and connection elements for each contemplated shape tobe clad.

As noted above, a preferred building structure for cladding is a post.Four cladding panels could be provided along with four connectionelements for cladding a square post. Alternatively, a given panelsection could cover more than one side of the post such that, forexample, two panel sections could be connected to wrap the post. Anotherapproach would be to provide a single four sided panel that includes asubsection for each of the four sides with a connection element to closeand hold the cladding in place. A single piece post cladding elementthat could be adapted for this purpose is disclosed in commonly assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/725,768, entitled, “Single PiecePost Cladding Element, Method of Cladding a Post and Method of Forming aCladding Element” filed Dec. 2, 2003, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative cladded building assembly200. Assembly 200 includes a rectangular wooden post 12 having a squarecross section. A cladding assembly is attached to the post and includes,in the illustrated embodiment, four cladding panels 140 and fourconnection elements 160. The connection elements 160 provide anandrogynous means of engaging the one or more cladding panels to securethe cladding panels 140 to the post 12 in cladding the post. In thisembodiment, the androgynous engagement is performed by a pair ofoutwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches 220 that mate with apair of inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches 210, with acatch 210 being provided one from each of an adjacent pair of claddingpanels 140. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the pair of outwardly extendingcatches 220 of the connection elements 160 are preferably generallyshaped like a pair of hooks that anchor the connection element to theinwardly extending catches 210 of a pair of adjacent cladding panels140. The assembly 200 can be constructed in the manner described abovein connection with, for example, FIGS. 4-4E.

In an alternative embodiment of a cladding panel assembly, the at leastone connection element includes a pair of oppositely disposed maleconnectors, and the at least one cladding panel has a pair of oppositelydisposed female connectors for mating with the oppositely disposed maleconnectors. Alternatively, the at least one connection element includesa pair of inwardly disposed female connectors, and the at least onecladding panel has a pair of oppositely disposed male connectors formating with the oppositely disposed female connectors of the connectionelement.

In another alternative embodiment of a building assembly 300 shown inFIG. 6, the connection element is integral with the cladding panels340A, 340B. In the illustrated embodiment including four claddingpanels, the cladding assembly includes two cladding panels 340A eachincluding a pair of inwardly extending catches 342 and two claddingpanels 340B each including a pair of outwardly extending catches 344. Inthis embodiment, catches 342 of a cladding panel 340A mate with catches344 of an adjacent cladding panel 340B proximate to each corner of post12. As should be understood, this assembly can be constructed with one,two, three or four cladding panels.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of abuilding assembly 400 where the connection element is integral with thecladding panels 440. Each cladding panel is identical and roughly shapedlike an “S”. In this embodiment, each cladding panel has an inwardlyextending catch 442 and an outwardly extending catch 444. The inwardlyextending catches 442 are similarly shaped and larger (thoughdifferently oriented) than the outwardly extending catches 444 such thatan inwardly extending catch 442 of a first cladding panel 440 can fitaround the outwardly extending catch 444 of an adjacent second claddingpanel 440 to secure the cladding panels together.

The cladding assemblies have been described, in one embodiment, asincluding a 4″×4″ square post. A larger post, such as a 6″×6″ post, canbe clad in at least two ways using inventory available for cladding the4″×4″ post. In a first embodiment, the cladding panels used to clad the4″×4″ post are used. Enlarged connection elements are then used toconnect the cladding panels together and to cover the portion of the6″×6″ post not covered by the cladding panels designed for the 4″×4″post. In the second embodiment, wider cladding panels about 6″ or morein width can be secured to the 6″×6″ post with connection elements fromthe 4″×4″ post embodiment. These embodiments allow for larger post to beclad while utilizing inventory available to clad smaller posts.Alteratively, slightly wider (i.e., wider than the 4″×4″ postembodiment) cladding panels and slightly larger (larger than the 4″×4″post embodiment) connection elements could be used.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments ofthe invention that may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

1. A cladding assembly, comprising: at least one cladding panel; and atleast one connection element, wherein the connection element includes anandrogynous means for engaging the at least one cladding panel to securethe at least one cladding panel to a building structure.
 2. The claddingassembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one cladding panel comprisesat least one pair of outwardly or inwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches, and said at least one connection element is configuredto mate with said catches.
 3. The cladding assembly of claim 2, whereinsaid at least one connection element comprises at least one pair ofinwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches disposed to mate withsaid at least one pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches of said at least one cladding panel, or at least one pair ofoutwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches disposed to mate withsaid at least on pair of inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catchesof said at least one cladding panel.
 4. The cladding assembly of claim3, wherein said inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches of saidat least one connection element include respective hook portions forsecuring said connection element to said outwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches of said at least on cladding panel, or said outwardlyextending oppositely disposed catches of said at least one connectionelement include respective hook portions for securing said connectionelement to said inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches of saidat least one cladding panel.
 5. The cladding assembly of claim 1,wherein said at least one connection element and at least one claddingpanel comprise a thermoplastic polymer.
 6. The cladding assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one connection element and at least onecladding panel comprise polyvinyl chloride, a polyolefin, a polystyrene,polypropylene, an acrylic, an ABS polymer or an ASA polymer.
 7. Thecladding assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly comprises fourcladding panels and four connection elements, each one of said fourcladding panels comprising a pair of outwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches along opposite edges thereof, each of said connectionelements comprises a pair of inwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches, or each one of said four cladding panels comprising a pair ofinwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches along opposite edgesthereof, each of said connection elements comprises a pair of outwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches.
 8. A cladded building assembly,comprising: a building structure; and a cladding assembly secured tosaid building structure, said cladding assembly comprising: at least onecladding panel; and at least one connection element, wherein theconnection element includes an androgynous means for engaging the atleast one cladding panel to secure the cladding panel to said buildingstructure.
 9. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein said at leastone cladding panel comprises at least one pair of outwardly or inwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches, and said at least one connectionelement is configured to mate with said catches.
 10. The buildingassembly of claim 9, wherein said at least one connection elementcomprises at least one pair of inwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches disposed to mate with said at least one pair of outwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches of said at least one claddingpanel, or said at least one connection element comprises at least onepair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches disposed tomate with said at least one pair of inwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches of said at least one cladding panel.
 11. The buildingassembly of claim 10, wherein said inwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches of said at least one connection element includerespective hook portions for securing said connection element to saidoutwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches of said at least onecladding panel, or said outwardly extending, oppositely disposed catchesof said at least one connection element include respective hook portionsfor securing said connection element to said inwardly extending,oppositely disposed catches of said at least one cladding panel.
 12. Thebuilding assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one connectionelement and at least one cladding panel comprise a thermoplasticpolymer.
 13. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least oneconnection element and at least one cladding panel comprise polyvinylchloride, a polyolefin, a polystyrene, polypropylene, an acrylic, an ABSpolymer or an ASA polymer.
 14. The building assembly of claim 8, whereinthe cladding assembly comprises four cladding panels and four connectionelements, each one of said four cladding panels comprising a pair ofoutwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches along opposite edgesthereof, each of said connection elements comprising a pair of inwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches, or each one of said fourcladding panels comprising a pair of inwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches along opposite edges thereof, each of said connectionelements comprising a pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches.
 15. The building assembly of claim 8, wherein said buildingstructure comprises a pre-installed post.
 16. A method of cladding abuilding structure, comprising the following steps: aligning at leastone cladding panel along said building structure; providing at least oneconnection element, wherein the connection element includes anandrogynous means for engaging the at least one cladding panel to securethe at least one cladding panel to said building structure; and securingsaid at least one connection element to said at least one claddingpanel, whereby said building structure is clad.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein said at least one cladding panel comprises at least one pairof outwardly or inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches, andsaid at least one connection element is configured to mate with saidcatches.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said at least oneconnection element comprises at least one pair of inwardly extending,oppositely disposed catches disposed to mate with said at least one pairof outwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches of said at least onecladding panel, or said at least one connection element comprises atleast one pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposed catchesdisposed to mate with said at least one pair of inwardly extending,oppositely disposed catches of said at least one cladding panel.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein said inwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches of said at least one connection element include respective hookportions for securing said connection element to said outwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches of said at least one claddingpanel, or said outwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches of saidat least one connection element include respective hook portions forsecuring said connection element to said inwardly extending, oppositelydisposed catches of said at least one cladding panel.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said at least one connection element and at least onecladding panel comprise polyvinyl chloride, a polyolefin, a polystyrene,polypropylene, an acrylic, an ABS polymer or an ASA polymer.
 21. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the at least one cladding panel comprisesfour cladding panels and said at least one connection element comprisesfour connection elements, each one of said four cladding panelscomprising a pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposed catchesalong opposite edges thereof, each of said connection elementscomprising a pair of inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches, oreach one of said four cladding panels comprising a pair of inwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches along opposite edges thereof,each of said connection elements comprising a pair of outwardlyextending, oppositely disposed catches.
 22. The method of claim 16,wherein at least two cladding panels are aligned along said buildingstructure, said at least two cladding panels being aligned adjacent toone another, wherein said cladding panels comprise a pair of outwardlyor inwardly extending, oppositely disposed catches, said method furthercomprising: securing the cladding panels to said building structure; andafter said securing step, securing said at least one connection elementto said pair of outwardly or inwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:providing said cladding panels, wherein the catches run substantiallyalong the entire length of said cladding panels; and removing a portionof said catches from a portion of said cladding panels proximate to atleast one of the top and bottom of said cladding panels.
 24. The methodof claim 23, further comprising installing a trim or molding sectionproximate to at least one of the top and bottom of said cladding panels,whereby an area from which said portion was removed is concealed fromview.
 25. A post cladding assembly, comprising: a plurality of polymericcladding panels, said plurality of cladding panels comprising at leastone pair of outwardly or inwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches; and at least one polymeric connection element, comprising atleast one pair of inwardly or outwardly extending, oppositely disposedcatches, wherein said at least one connection element is secured to saidplurality of cladding panels with said inwardly or outwardly disposedcatches of said at least one polymeric connection element mated to saidoutwardly or inwardly disposed catches of said plurality of polymericcladding panels, respectively, to couple said cladding panels togetherin cladding a building structure.